The Rajasthan Royals team has become embroiled in an off-field dispute just before their anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The central question revolves around whether their team manager, Romi Bhinder, will be granted access to the dugout for the upcoming game.
Rajasthan Royals Manager's Dugout Phone Use Sparks IPL Protocol Review
In a developing story from the world of cricket, the Rajasthan Royals organization is under scrutiny following an incident during their recent contest against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati. On Monday, April 13, 2026, at 10:10 AM UTC, team manager Romi Bhinder was observed reportedly using a mobile phone within the team's dugout. This action has raised concerns regarding a potential violation of the established “PMOA (Players and Match Officials Area) Protocol - 2026,” which strictly regulates mobile device usage in designated team and official zones.
Devajit Saikia, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), confirmed that the board is not rushing to a verdict. Instead, a thorough internal review is being conducted, meticulously examining all available evidence, including photographic and video materials, before a conclusion is reached. Saikia noted that while certain individuals, such as managers, are permitted to carry phones in the dugout, the investigation aims to ascertain the precise circumstances of the event and the nature of the phone's use. As of now, the IPL Governing Council has not formally addressed the matter, and a decision regarding Bhinder's access to restricted areas for the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad remains pending. The incident has gained further traction due to camera footage allegedly showing Bhinder on his phone while the Royals were batting, with young player Vaibhav Sooryavanshi reportedly looking at the screen, fueling debate about compliance within the PMOA zone. It is yet to be confirmed whether match referee Vengalil Narayanan Kutty, who officiated the Guwahati game, included this incident in his post-match report, though anti-corruption officers were present.
This event underscores the critical importance of adherence to established protocols in professional sports. It serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly minor deviations can spark significant inquiries and potentially impact team personnel. Maintaining the integrity of the game and ensuring fair play requires strict compliance from all involved parties, and such incidents highlight the ongoing vigilance needed to uphold these standards.